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The adult criminal justice system is not developmentally appropriate for teenagers. As compared with their peers in juvenile facilities, young New Yorkers incarcerated in adult prisons are more likely to suffer abuse and assault, and more likely to reoffend when they get out.

That was the Manhattan District Attorney's message Monday as he announced a $58 million investment in inner city organizations.

Cyrus Vance Jr. said his office will use money obtained prosecuting big corporations for good.

"I understand, as well as anybody, that if you really want to reduce crime, you have to invest in your community," Vance told the crowd at The Door in SoHo. He quoted Frederick Douglass saying, "It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men."

Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus R. Vance, Jr., today announced the investment of $45.9 million to create and construct five “Youth Opportunity Hubs,” a first-of-its-kind effort to knit together community-based providers and build new physical spaces for young people in target Manhattan neighborhoods; and an additional $12 million investment to help existing organizations specializing in family and youth development expand their capacity and develop innovative new services.

“Outstanding warrants for years-old, low-level violations drive law enforcement and communities apart. New Yorkers with outstanding summons warrants face unnecessary employment and immigration consequences, and live in fear of arrest following any police encounter, which means they cannot collaborate with the NYPD and District Attorneys to keep our communities safe.

Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus R. Vance, Jr., today announced the trial conviction of PEDRO HERNANDEZ, 56, for kidnapping and murdering six-year-old Etan Patz, who disappeared while walking to a school bus stop in 1979. The defendant was convicted by a New York State Supreme Court jury of one count each of Murder in the Second Degree and Kidnapping in the First Degree. HERNANDEZ is expected to be sentenced on February 28, 2017.

Following Report’s Recommendation, District Attorney’s Office to Equip Prosecutors in Manhattan Family Justice Center and Manhattan Child Advocacy Center with “Alternative Light Source” Technology to Better Observe and Document Bruising and Other Injuries.

Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus R. Vance, Jr., today announced three significant investments aimed at preventing crime and reforming the justice system, including new funding opportunities for: early diversion programs for low-level misdemeanor offenders; social enterprises for young people and formerly incarcerated individuals; and innovative transition programs for youth who are transitioning out of foster care. The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office is funding these initiatives through its Criminal Justice Investment Initiative (“CJII”), which it created using criminal forfeiture funds – separate from the Office’s annual budget or taxpayer dollars – obtained through settlements with international banks for violating U.S. sanctions.

Manhattan district attorney, Cyrus R. Vance Jr., expressed outrage that stores in New York continued to profit from ivory sales, even after the Legislature had banned them except in limited cases. “Sadly, New York remains one of the world markets for elephant ivory and I think it’s unacceptable,” he said. “If you are trading in the bounty of these endangered species, now is the time to stop.”